How successful is cardiac arrhythmia ablation?

How successful is cardiac arrhythmia ablation?

Almost 90% of patients who have atrial arrhythmias who undergo ablation have their normal heart rhythm restored and remain free of arrhythmia at 10 years. The mini-Maze procedure has had similar success in eliminating atrial fibrillation, but because these procedures are newer, long-term follow-up is lacking.

Ablation of ventricular arrhythmias is less successful (50% to 70% at 10 years). In the case of ventricular tachycardia in patients who also have congenital heart disease, the patient may also need to have a defibrillator implanted to correct the heart rhythm.